appleoneusmonk: Get over YOURself. Tammy expressed her views politely, you should too. I agree with the Goleta council. They are trying to make sure we don't have huge buildings and overly crowded, dense structures everywhere. I'm glad they are taking a measured approach and that the community is involved with making sure that development does not get out of hand. Better to go slow because once it's built, it's there.

Hear, hear, dogsmom! I recommend paying for up to three years at a time. It's one less thing that you need to do on a yearly basis and it helps Animal Control to have this money up-front to use/invest. Think of it as a donation (even though it's also against the law not to register your dog). You can also register your cat. Plus, it's very inexpensive anyway! All good reasons to register. Maybe you could throw in a little extra (i.e. perhaps round up the $57 for 3 years to $75) as a little donation when you register too.

Very good reporting throughout. I checked The Independent every day. I have a SB Newspress account and checked there too, but I got far more timely and detailed info from The Independent. It was an invaluable resource.

I would suggest one (minor) thing. During the Gap Fire, The Independent had a huge banner at the top of the page. The Jesusita Fire's banner was a bit buried in the middle and smaller, thus harder to find.

Do get your pet licensed! It is really inexpensive and benefits animal control services -- whose mission is to SAVE animals! A rabies shot only costs $10 at the Humane Society and it lasts for 3 years. THAT IS A DEAL!(http://sbhumanesociety.org/Fees.html#...)Note that the other vaccinations are $12.50 or less.

Plus, it is against the law not to register your dog. So do the right thing. Get your pet registered and get their shots. Keep them safe (the microchip is a great idea) and keep them healthy. Obey the law and support Animal Control Services because they do good work.

emptynewsroom: Sadly, something must be up with the way you interact with people, as well as dogs. The vast majority of people are very considerate, especially here in Santa Barbara, and every dog I've ever seen off leash here has been friendly. Perhaps you should take an interspecitve look at the messages (possibly non-verbal) you are sending out. Good luck.

emptynewsroom: What made me question to accuracy of your account is that you wrote, "Only once in over 15 years (literally one time!) have I had a dog owner apoligize by saying, "I'm sorry that my dog bothered you."

Seems unlikely that only ONE person in all of 15 years(!) was respectful to you! That has GOT to be an exaggeration.